Roma Set to Take on Napoli Without Talismanic Forward | OneFootball

New Roma manager Claudio Ranieri addressed the media in the build-up to his side’s mouth-watering Serie A trip to Napoli. One of the major talking points during the press conference was Paulo Dybala’s lack of match fitness.

“We need to help him. If he has discomfort, it needs to be resolved,” the newly-appointed Roma boss said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “If necessary, we’ll investigate further to understand the reasons for the pain.

“I find him positive and proactive, but I don’t want to risk him. We have three matches in sequence: I’ll talk to him and see what he can give.“

Ranieri explained Lorenzo Pellegrini’s status at the club after the Roma captain entered an open war with the Giallorossi fanbase amid a managerial carousel at the Stadio Olimpico.

“As captain, Pellegrini must know how to react: when you fall, you have to get back up. I think he’s a bit introverted for a Roman; he needs to react, but I’m convinced he will.”

Ranieri has taken a side bereft of confidence after Ivan Juric’s underwhelming tenure. However, he insists he’ll work his socks off to restore high spirits at Roma.

“It’s difficult for me to talk about the team’s mentality. When you start losing, you enter a negative spiral. I need to restore their confidence. What counts are the matches: getting results in sequence allows you to regain self-esteem and confidence.“

“The quality is there; this is a good team. They need to be supported by me and everyone else, including the fans.“

Roma will look to halt a two-game losing league run on Sunday. It will be anything but simple without Dybala.